The Town of La Ronge is in search of a new Mayor.
Colin Ratushniak announced Tuesday evening he resigned his position on Council and will be leaving that northern community in early August for new employment.
“Professionally, I’m so happy but personally, it is time for me to explore the next chapter in my life and take on new challenges. I’m the only person who can make that decision. And it was a very difficult one for me to make,” an emotional Ratushniak said in a Facebook post, following a Council meeting.
Ratushniak moved to La Ronge in the spring of 2019, becoming mayor 18 months later. The openly-gay leader pressed for social change on LGBTQ+ issues in that community.
“[I’m] so happy to see the progress and our strategic plan or work towards truth and reconciliation, or equality and human rights. I know this Council continues to focus on policy and governance alone, while also investing their time and energy into the community. You are unstoppable with making La Ronge the place you all set out to make,” he explained.
Aside from leaving Council, Ratushniak has also resigned from Rise Air as a pilot and from being a fitness supervisor at Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre. He said he has accepted a position with Flair Airlines and will start August 8.
Deputy Mayor Viviana Ruiz-Arcand will assume the mayoral duties until a by-election is conducted.